Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

An estimated debt load of $25,832 against first-year earnings around $67,900 suggests this engineering program delivers what parents hope for: a manageable debt burden paired with solid earning potential. These figures, drawn from comparable bachelor's engineering programs nationally, point to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—meaning graduates would typically repay their loans with about five months of first-year salary. That's a favorable starting position for entering a technical field.

UW-Milwaukee serves a notably accessible mission, with an 88% admission rate and 30% of students on Pell grants, suggesting it provides engineering pathways for students who might not access more selective programs. While peer engineering programs nationally hit a median of roughly $68,000 in first-year earnings, outcomes can vary considerably based on engineering specialization, with electrical and computer engineering typically outpacing civil or industrial tracks. The lack of reported data from this specific program (due to small cohort sizes) means you're operating with less certainty than you'd have with larger programs.

The estimated numbers align with what you'd expect from a solid regional engineering program: graduates should earn enough to handle their debt comfortably while building toward higher mid-career salaries. For families weighing this option, the key questions become whether your student can succeed in the demanding engineering curriculum here and whether the specializations offered match their career goals.